Police Looking For Suspects In Mass Tire Slashing

Police say the number of tires slashed, and the timing of the crime, makes this one of the worst acts of vandalism they've seen in a long time.

Residents tell The News On 6 that the cost of replacing their tires will hit them hard.

Vandals slashed dozens of tires, causing thousands of dollars of damage in Midtown Tulsa. Police say they hit at least 50 cars in an area stretching from 5th to 11th street, and from Harvard to Oswego. The News On 6's Chris Wright reports like many in the area, the neighborhoods are still recovering from the ice storm, and now residents feel victimized for the second time in the past month.

Police say the vandals slashed more than 100 tires on at least 50 cars sometime early Saturday morning and they did not discriminate. They went after new SUV's, as well as some classic cars.

Cathy Eimer woke up to find flat tires on all three of her cars. She says paying for new tires, combined with the cost of Christmas and the ice storm clean-up, won't be easy.

"They're a lot of people in the same boat. Nobody around here can afford to just replace tires," said Cathy Eimer.

Her neighbor, Sandy Sullateskee, says she is now stuck without transportation.

"I don't, I just don't have the finances for this. It's so not cool," said Sullateske.

Tulsa police say because of the number of tires slashed, and because of the timing of this. It took place just a few days after Christmas, and while the neighborhood is still recovering from the ice storm, makes this one of the worst acts of vandalism they've seen in a long time.

"In my 26, 27 years as a policeman, I've never seen anything to this extent," said Tulsa Police Sergeant Bill Goree.

Police say the vandals were also quiet. Not one resident heard or saw them.

"I couldn't imagine who could do that much damage in one night. But I didn't hear a thing, and my bedroom is right there," said Kenneth Smith.

Two tires on Kenneth Smith's car were slashed, and like his neighbors, he says this couldn't have happened at a worse time.

"Just getting the ice storm cleaned up, Christmas did catch me a little short, and I have to go get some new tires," said Kenneth Smith.

University of Tulsa security did spot a few young men near campus early Saturday morning. Authorities say they took off in a car when they were approached. The security guard did get a license number and police are working on tracking that car down.

Anyone with information on the vandals can call Crimestoppers at 596-COPS.